Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?
A backyard pool is a great way to relax alone or socialize with friends and family, but they do require some work to keep them clean. Whether you have an in- or above-ground pool, a reliable and properly maintained filter is essential in keeping its water crystal-clear. Because, after all, no one wants to swim in a dirty pool. (And, if you want to be proactive about keeping out larger items like leaves and bugs out, buy a pool cover and a pool vacuum.)
Pool filters work with your pool’s pump to circulate water and capture microscopic dirt and debris, and just like pools themselves, they’re available in a wide selection of styles and sizes. They can also use different types of media to get the job done (cartridge, sand, and diatomaceous earth), so it can be overwhelming to find the best option for you and your pool. To help narrow down your search, we researched and vetted the best pool filters out there, and also included a run-down of what to consider when purchasing.
In the market for fun pool accessories? Check out our stories on the best pool ladders, pool floats, and pool toys. Plus, learn how to DIY a stock tank pool.
Best Pool Filters
What to Consider
Filter Capacity
The most important thing to determine when choosing a pool filter is whether or not it’s effective for your pool size. Luckily, this is fairly easy to calculate—your filter should turn over the pool’s volume every eight to ten hours.
Take your pool’s volume in gallons and divide it by ten to determine how many gallons you need to filter per hour. For some filters, you’ll need to divide this number by 60 to find the required flow rate in gallons per minute.
For instance, if your pool is 5,000 gallons, you’ll need a 500 GPH or 8.3 GPM pool filter. We recommend erring on the larger side, so you don’t end up with a filter that maxes out at your pool’s capacity. Plus, a larger filter means less frequent cleaning, saving you time and effort.
Filter Type
The three types of pool filter media are cartridge, sand, and diatomaceous earth, or DE. Cartridge filters trap and collect debris as it passes through the cartridge, which you can spray clean with a garden hose. This type uses less water overall compared to DE and sand filters.
Sand filters run pool water through a reservoir of sand to trap and contain dirt and debris, and although they’re usually the least expensive, they don’t trap the ultra-small particles that cartridge and DE filters do. DE filters work the same way as sand filters, but since DE is finer than sand, it traps the smallest particles of all. These are usually the most expensive, but if you want to make sure your pool water is as clean as possible, they’re worth the investment.
Power
Most residential pool-owners prefer to filter their pools overnight to avoid the noise while swimming. You can turn your filter on and off manually, unplug it from its power source, or use a timer—best for smaller filters that require less power—to set it automatically.
How We Selected
We evaluated the filters in this collection based on comprehensive online research and comparisons that prioritized filter efficacy, ease of use, price, and durability. This included researching the options, analyzing customer reviews, and combing through popular brands to find their most reliable, durable products. We did our best to include a variety of filter types and sizes, so regardless of your pool size or filter needs, you can find the ideal option for your setup.
Pros
Great flow rate for large pools- Cartridges last longer than competitors
- Simple maintenance
Cons
- Cartridges aren’t the right fit for everyone
If you’re looking for an easy-to-maintain filter for your in-ground pool, this cartridge pool filter is one of the top choices. This side-mount cartridge filter works in pools up to 27,000 gallons, with larger and smaller options available.
The filter uses heavy-duty cartridges that hold more dirt and deliver extra-long filter cycles compared to lighter filters, which eliminates the need for backwashing (a.k.a., reversing the flow of water to clear a filter).
This Hayward model has a single-piece flange clamp that holds its top and bottom together, but it’s easy to remove when you need to change the inner cartridges.
Key Specs
| Type | Cartridge |
|---|---|
| Pool Size | 27,000 gal. |
| Dimensions | 13.8 x 13.8 x 32.1 in. |
| Pool Type | In-ground |
| Flow Rate | 7,200 GPH |
Pros
- Filters out extremely small debris
- Efficient operation
Cons
- DE filter is overkill for many pool owners
It’s not cheap, but if you want to ensure that your in-ground pool is as clean and clear as it can possibly be, this diatomaceous earth filter from Hayward is a great choice.
Its copolymer construction is durable enough to stand up the elements, and the straightforward clamp assembly makes it easy to gain access when it’s time for maintenance. Plus, the low-profile shape and a pair of lift handles make it easy to open up.
The convenient pressure gauge not only tells you the current pressure, but also lets you know when it’s time to backwash and clean the filter.
Key Specs
| Type | DE |
|---|---|
| Pool Size | 43,200 gal. |
| Dimensions | 23.1 x 24.6 x 35.7 in. |
| Pool Type | In-ground |
| Flow Rate | 4,320 GPH |
Pros
- Simple to use
- Large drain
- Durable construction
Cons
- Not as effective as DE options
This sand-based filter boasts a flow rate high enough for most in-ground pools, and with a corrosion-proof tank, it’s designed for maximum durability. A six-position control valve allows you to select the precise function you want, and the top-mounted lever-action handle is comfortable for anyone to use.
We’re also big fans of the large drain outlet, which ensures that when it’s time for winterizing or servicing, you won’t waste time emptying it out. You will need to supply your own sand, though, so keep that in mind.
Key Specs
| Type | Sand |
|---|---|
| Pool Size | 37,200 gal. |
| Dimensions | 22.6 x 22.6 x 42 in. |
| Pool Type | In-ground |
| Flow Rate | 3,720 GPH |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Straightforward controls
- 25-foot power cord
Cons
- Not for in-ground pools
This Intex sand filter is powerful enough to handle above-ground pools up to 12,800 gallons while still remaining relatively low on the price spectrum. You can easily choose from the six functions—filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate, drain, and close system—with the large control handle, and a color-coded gauge makes it easy to keep an eye on the current pressure.
An automatic timer powers the pump on and off each day, and you can set the operating interval you prefer—up to 12 hours. Its low weight of 22.8 pounds also makes it relatively easy to transport and position into place.
Key Specs
| Type | Sand |
|---|---|
| Pool Size | 12,800 gal. |
| Dimensions | 15.4 x 23.3 x 22.3 in. |
| Pool Type | Above-ground |
| Flow Rate | 1,600 GPH |
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Integrated pump
Cons
- Frequent cartridge changes
For those with small pools, the Bestway Flow Clear Pool Filter is an extremely affordable option to keep the water clean. It’s designed to be used with above-ground pools between 300 and 8,400 gallons and it has a flow rate of 1,500 gallons per hour.
Dirt and debris gets stuck in the cartridge as water passes through the filter, and the water is pushed back into the pool with the double-insulated motor pump. The simple design comes with two connection hoses, clamps, and a filter cartridge, and while it requires little maintenance, keep in mind that you’ll need to clean or change the cartridge every two weeks.
Key Specs
| Type | Cartridge |
|---|---|
| Pool Size | 8,400 gal. |
| Dimensions | 17.7 x 13 x 14 in. |
| Pool Type | Above-ground |
| Flow Rate | 1,500 GPH |
Pros
- Efficient operation
- Extremely affordable for a DE filter
Cons
- Not suitable for in-ground pools
DE filters aren’t just for large-capacity pools, and this Hayward model is a perfect choice for those with small above-ground pools. Plus, it’s significantly cheaper than other DE options. It works quickly, and can remove particles as small as two microns in size.
An oversized, ergonomic handle makes it easy to maintain and service, and the efficient design means that there’s no backwashing needed. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to supply the five pounds of diatomaceous earth to get started.
Key Specs
| Type | DE |
|---|---|
| Pool Size | 30,000 gal. |
| Dimensions | 17.9 x 15.8 x 33 in. |
| Pool Type | Above-ground |
| Flow Rate | 3,000 GPH |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best for Small Pools
Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Pool Filter Pump
Pros
- One-year warranty
- Low price makes it great for temporary pools
Cons
- Not practical for larger pools
If you have a small above-ground pool, the low price and compact size of this Intex pump is a great fit. It’s simple to maintain, too—just replace the filter every couple of weeks.
The built-in timer makes it easy to set automatic increments for how often to filter the water, and a convenient air release valve lets you easily get rid of any trapped air inside. The included hoses are 1.25 inches, so keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase a separate adapter if you have 1.5-inch connections.
Key Specs
| Type | Cartridge |
|---|---|
| Pool Size | 6,000 gal. |
| Dimensions | 10.6 x 10.6 x 15 in. |
| Pool Type | Above-ground |
| Flow Rate | 1,000 GPH |
Alex Rennie
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.
Rachel Klein
Senior Commerce Editor
Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.
Camryn Rabideau
Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer specializing in home, kitchen, and pet products. In her four years as a product tester, she's tested hundreds of items firsthand, and her work appears in publications such as Forbes, USA Today, The Spruce, Food52, and more.
